AIMS: A restrictive transmitral filling (RF) pattern predicts increased mortality in heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular (LV) systolic function. We performed a combined evaluation of LV function and RF for prognosis in patients with HF with and without systolic dysfunction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Doppler echocardiography was performed in 972 patients with symptomatic HF. RF was considered present when deceleration time (DT) was 140 ms. A DT >240 ms was defined as delayed relaxation. During a median of 51 months the unadjusted all-cause mortality rates were significantly increased among patients with RF vs. the non-RF group (1- and 4-year mortality was 25% and 54% vs. 17% and 43%). In a multivariable model, RF was a significant predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR)=2.0, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.5-2.6) whereas delayed relaxation was without prognostic importance (HR=0.9, CI:0.5-1.6). Repeating the multivariable model in subgroups of wall motion index (WMI) showed that RF was a strong predictor of mortality independent of WMI. For patients with LVEF of at least 50%, HR for RF was 2.0 (CI:1.1-3.4; p=0.02) and interaction between LVEF and RF was not significant. CONCLUSION: In a heterogeneous population hospitalised for symptomatic HF a restrictive transmitral filling pattern, defined as shortened deceleration time, during hospitalisation is an ominous prognostic sign independent of LV systolic function.